Friday, May 6, 2016

THIS WEEKEND IN MUSIC: More rooftop music, Tech N9ne and Loverboy

TONIGHT
At this point, it’s kind of a joke that we’re mentioning independent rapper Tech N9ne (aka Aaron Yates) is coming through the Knitting Factory again, because it seems like the guy is always in Spokane. While we dispelled the rumor that he has a Spokane home in an interview last year, it’s clear why the Kansas City-based artist continues to tour through here — he’s beloved. The Juggalo community’s support is a huge part of his success, but Tech’s dark and familiar music has plenty of other fans, too. Mainstream rappers 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne and Eminem even collaborated on his most recent album, 2015’s Special Effects. As usual, this show is already sold out. For those with tickets, everything starts at 8 pm, and with five openers don’t expect Tech on stage until at least 11:30 pm.
Back to the rooftop with you! One of the coolest downtown Spokane music venues opens up tonight as the publicly funded KYRS radio station kicks off its summer concert series on the glorious Saranac rooftop. With Spokane/Coeur d’Alene blackened hardcore acts East Sherman, Phjior and Déformer playing up a storm, the music is sure to raise a few eyebrows from passersby below. Each band plays perilously loud and fast, conjuring up a raging sound that reverberates through your rib cage and skull. This isn’t some garden party; instead, expect to rock hard into the night, and perhaps plan on bringing the earplugs. The show starts at 7 pm and is $5.

SATURDAY
After you’ve gotten your Kentucky Derby/Gonzaga Graduation/Donald Trump rally on, it’s time to check out the following music events Saturday night:

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This hair!

Other than bassist Scott Smith, who disappeared at sea in 2000, the 1980s rock band Loverboy is still intact and they’re hitting up the Northern Quest Resort & Casino Saturday (when singing their seminal hit “Working for the Weekend” will have an even more electrifying effect). The show is sold out, so hit the internet if you still hope to go.

Alt-rockers the Helio Sequence roll through Spokane this weekend, playing the Bartlett with opener Nick Jaina. They’re touting a recent self-titled record that took them only a month to write, read all about that in our story from this week. The show is $15 and starts at 8 pm.
Feel free to get a little jazzy and funky over at the Palomino with Philadelphia group the Dirk Quinn Band, Ragtag Romantics and Mary Chavez. The dance show starts at 7 pm and costs $10 at the door. 18+ show.

Meanwhile the Baby Bar brings the electronic goodness in from local acts Summer in Siberia and the Dancing Plague of 1518 as well as Bombshell Nightlight out of Montana. Basically, this free show is all about letting go. Get there by 9 pm.